Power/Reset connector

  • Thread starter Thread starter isuy
  • Start date Start date
isuy said:
Hi all, I'm upgrading my old pc(Dell Dimension v350).
I have changed everything except the case.
I have one problem though.
The power/reset connector(please take a look here
http://mycgiserver.com/~suyuri/pwr_connector.jpg )
doesn't fit onto the new motherboard.
Anyone know if there is an adapter for this?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I highly doubt it - Dell is well known for using proprietary PSUs - you may
find that you need to replace the PSU (that's assuming you can find one to
fit the case).

You're probably going to need to replace it anyway, seeing as it was
designed to power a P2 350.

It also begs the question: why are you upgrading something that ancient and
not putting the money towards something new(er)?
 
isuy said:
Hi all, I'm upgrading my old pc(Dell Dimension v350).
I have changed everything except the case.
I have one problem though.
The power/reset connector(please take a look here
http://mycgiserver.com/~suyuri/pwr_connector.jpg )
doesn't fit onto the new motherboard.
Anyone know if there is an adapter for this?
Click to expand...

Just be careful. Many DELLs use a special power supply that has the same
connector as a normal ATX power supply, but it's wired differently.

I'm surprised you could even install a normal mainboard into a DELL PC.
 
Thanks all, but I'm not talking about the PSU.
The picture you see there is a power button, reset button, hd led , and
power led connector.
They are usually 2, 3-pin connectors, but this one isn't.
 
It also begs the question: why are you upgrading something that ancient and
not putting the money towards something new(er)?
Click to expand...


One reason might be that old (OEM) cases were often more
sturdy than a typical off-the-shelf retail case. While they
typically had inferior airflow, they also had large solid
panels, which were structurally ideal for cutting out
new/large fan holes.
 
Hi all, I'm upgrading my old pc(Dell Dimension v350).
I have changed everything except the case.
I have one problem though.
The power/reset connector(please take a look here
http://mycgiserver.com/~suyuri/pwr_connector.jpg )
doesn't fit onto the new motherboard.
Anyone know if there is an adapter for this?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

You'll need to either consult any available Dell
documentation to determine the connector pinout (for
example, IF the motherboard manual detailed it), take a
multimeter/continuity-meter and match the pins/wires to
their functions at their other ends, or just take it apart.

By taking it apart I mean to remove the switch(s) and LED(s)
from the case, then attach new wires. You can probalby find
some suitable wires with connectors already on them by
cannibalizing an old case (for example one being thrown out
at a local computer shop), or by wading though pages of
parts you could find new connectors at an online electronics
house (like Digikey, but I have no parts # suggestions).

Another option along same line of thought is to cut off the
Dell-proprietary connector and just strip insulation off the
the appropriate wires, crimping appropriate connectors onto
them. Another option is a piece of protoboard with some
pin-headers soldered on, an adapter if you will... then
jumper cables from that to the board.


If you want to try cannibalizing another case, you may find
you don't need reuse the Dell switches or LEDs at all. If
they are a common size and type then cables from an old case
may already have suitable LEDs and switches on them.
 
isuy said:
Thanks all, but I'm not talking about the PSU.
The picture you see there is a power button, reset button, hd led ,
and
power led connector.
They are usually 2, 3-pin connectors, but this one isn't.
Click to expand...


That's what I figured when I saw the picture and your description. Many
cases provide separate cables for each function with a mini-connector at
the end (instead of using a polarized ribbon cable connector; the
plugged pin is the polarizing method), or they provide a separate
connector for each wire. If the header on the motherboard doesn't match
up with the pin-out for your ribbon cable connector, you're somewhat
screwed. The old case and the old motherboard were matched but now they
aren't after you installed a new and different motherboard.

You could scissors off the ribbon cable and attach your own connectors
but it highly likely that you don't have the connectors or crimp tool
needed. Alternatively, strip a 1/4" of insulation off each wire, prime
it by applying just enough solder to wet it (i.e., the solder flows into
the strands but don't leave a big blob of solder), similarly prime the
header pin on the motherboard, and then touch the wire against the
header pin and solder them together. Only do this if you are adept at
soldering. If the wire is solid instead of stranded, maybe a wire-wrap
tool would work (Radio Shack's might work; http://snipurl.com/fs9w).
 
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